Committee approves multiple bills, holds one for amendment; summary of actions

The Economic Matters Committee completed voting-list number 21, moving several measures to the next stage and placing one bill on hold for sponsor follow-up.

Senate Bill 388 (Decade Act) was described by legislative staff from Ways and Means as an administration bill that alters economic development programs, adjusts R&D and film production tax credits, and exempts certain data and IT services from sales and use tax. Committee amendments were adopted; the committee clarified that a previously proposed increase in the per-production film tax-credit cap was stricken and the existing $10 million per-production cap remains in law. The committee moved the bill favorable as amended and recorded that "Senate Bill 388 passes 18."

Senate Bill 94 (Earned Wage Access) was presented as a departmental bill to shore up consumer protections; the committee removed a tip provision, discussed safe-harbor timing, and moved the bill favorable as amended. The roll call recorded 12 votes in favor (several 'No' and 'I' votes were recorded during the call).

Senate Bill 249 (tobacco products licensing for electronic smoking devices) was described and then placed on hold after Delegate Pippy requested additional time to confer with the sponsor about conflicting licenses and enforcement; the chair said the item will be revisited at the next voting session.

Senate Bill 365 (security guard certification renewal) was moved favorable and passed by roll call (the committee recorded the bill as passing 18).

Senate Bill 937 (Maryland Fair Chance in Housing Act) was discussed at length; the committee adopted several amendments and moved the bill favorable as amended (see separate article for detailed debate). The roll call recorded the bill as passing 13.

Senate Bill 939 increased the judgment exemption for owner-occupied residential property in bankruptcy proceedings to $125,000 (the amendment restricted the change to bankruptcy proceedings and reduced the amount); the committee moved the bill favorably and recorded that "Senate Bill 939 passes 18."

The committee then considered the concurrence calendar: House Bill 149 (Assistant Fire Marshals) was concurred; House Bill 153 (residential rental air conditioning requirement) was not concurred; the committee moved to concur on several other House bills (308, 622, 798, 994, 1026, 1100, 1473) and recorded voice votes for concurrence or nonconcurrence as noted. The chair closed the session and said voting will resume the following day.

Actions recorded include motions to move bills favorable as amended, one hold for further sponsor amendment, and multiple concurrence and nonconcurrence actions on House bills. Where roll calls were taken, the chair announced the tabulated outcomes.